Innovation Fund

In 2017 Dr. Corr and The District Governing Board launched the inaugural Innovation Fund to support the development of AWC initiatives aligned with Strategic Planning. This year, $86,000 in funds are available for one-time projects beginning in Spring 2025 that support Strategic Planning efforts, specifically projects that align with AWC’s Mission, Vision, and Values. This limited-time funding is designed to encourage innovative thinking outside the parameters of the annual fiscal year budget.

AWC Faculty, Staff, & Students are encouraged to develop project proposals in the Topic Area below for implementation in the Spring 2025 semester.

Arizona Western College commits to delivering an amazing student experience characterized by:

  • A connected community within which students are encouraged, challenged, and feel they belong.
  • Programs developed and aligned with employment opportunities.
  • A clear path to success and completion.
  • Flexible, accessible services and learning approaches.
  • Contemporary technology that supports and enhances the AWC experience.

The Innovation Screening Committee comprises Cabinet members, faculty, and staff.  Selected Innovation Projects will be announced on Monday, December 2nd, 2024, and funds will be available to winners in January 2025.

Submitting a Proposal

  1. Proposal Form
  2. Project Description
    A maximum 500-word description of the project. Please include:
    1. Selected Topic Area
    2. Purpose of the project
    3. Benefit to students
    4. Amount requested
    5. How funds will be allocated
    6. Names/titles of those involved
    7. How project success will be measured
  3. Elevator Pitch Video - A 2-4 minute YouTube video explaining your project and its potential impact. Be as creative as you like.  (This will be uploaded in the Proposal Form).
Completed Proposals Accepted 09-30-24 to 10-31-24.  For questions, please contact: Strategic.Planning@azwestern.edu or Michelle Struck.

Note: Successful project proposals will be student-centered, collaborative, and innovative.

Our Impact in Numbers

7

Years Funded from 2018-2024

58

Projects Funded

$655,400

Total Amount Funded

Innovation Fund Awards 2024

  • Sara Amani - LeadHERship - $ 20,000
  • Tosha Gillespie - Living Walls - $ 15,000
  • Ellen Riek - Yuma History Map - $ 13,750
  • Jane Peabody - Updating Fitness Center Equipment - $10,000
  • Lisa Swenson - Assistive Tech Lab Renovation - $ 5,850
  • Shara Skinner - DAC at the MAC - $5,500
  • Biridiana Martinez - AWC Enrollment Tour - $5,000
  • Angie Creel & Carrie Dawson - Our Part of Yuma History - $4,600
  • William Blomquist - MAC Visual Arts Display - $ 3,750
  • Jacob Gibson - Bug Days and Beyond - $2,600

Innovation Fund Awards 2023

  • Dave Riek - Siendo Primero - $10,000
  • Susanna Zambrano - The Hungry Matador - $10,500
  • SGA & Shara Skinner - Illuminate AWC - $15,000
  • Sci Club & Abby Maze - Science Study Area - $7,000
  • Michelle Thomas - Club SOTE - $22,620
  • Drs. Kevin Kato & Shawn Clevell - Human Wellness Lab - $20,645

Congratulations to the projects awarded funding!

Innovation Fund Awards 2022

  • Sara Amani - TEDxAWC - $16,487
  • Sam Colton - AWC Solar Training Center - $17,000
  • Rosalia Delgado - CAMP Lounge - $16,181
  • Brenda Doak - Reskilling Mural (Downtown) - $5,760
  • Grant Molinar - Honors Lunch in the Lounge - $2,500
  • Kristine Duke - Business Simulation - $5,500
  • Stephanie O’Connor - Shade of Possibilities - $9,727
  • Adriana Martinez - Student Wellness Room - $5,500

Congratulations to the projects awarded funding!

Innovation Fund Awards 2021

  • Julie Koepp - Andale's Apparel - $ 22,000
  • Biri Martinez - Future Matador Digital Display - $ 10,000
  • Leah McKeogh - Rainbow Mural and Sidewalk - $ 8,200
  • Laura Sandigo - Adaptive Technology Pilot Loan Program - $ 6,337
  • Susie Zambrano - Magnificent Matadors - $ 6,585

Innovation Fund Awards 2020